Parent Guide to Book Genres: Horror, Thrillers, and Scary Stories
Do they really deliver more than nightmares?
New series Horrorland, and other scary stories, helps spark kids' imaginations.
Tales about UFOs and monsters might not be the best choice for bedtime (especially if your child is under 7 or 8 years old, or is especially sensitive or fearful), but they can help your child learn to distinguish fantasy from reality and build his courage. Witnessing other kids face and conquer their fears will empower your own child to tackle his own. Not to mention that these books are known to hook even the most reluctant of readers.
Why They're Worthwhile
The world can be a terrifying place, and the best scary stories demonstrate how when kids use their brains and instincts they can keep safe. Horror books and thrillers also exercise the imagination, reinforce positive values, and offer the thrill of reading something that's a little subversive. Many of the series in the genre, like the best-selling Goosebumps books, depict kids facing something frightening with humor and courage. This subtle formula makes for comfortable reading that lays the foundation for your child's ability to make sense of titles that break this mode. Books within a series will also keep the scary factor on a similar level. Just be sure to choose age-appropriate titles and avoid ones about things your child is particularly terrified of until that fear is more manageable.
Talking the Talk
Discuss these books the same way you would any others — pay attention to ensuring your child is comfortable with the action. Ask her questions about the plot and the characters. You could have her retell the story to you in her own words, making sure that she gets to the end when all is okay. Ask her what she liked and disliked about the book, what she would have changed, and what she would have done if she were a character. Discuss the scary parts and what she liked or didn't about them. Can being scared be fun?
If your child is afraid after reading a scary book, or has a nightmare, keep talking about the difference between fantasy and reality, and bring out your usual bad-dream-busting strategies. Try helping him imagine a good, happy dream, or talk about what he might say to a monster or "bad guy" in a dream.
Beyond the Books
- If your child is intrigued by a particular kind of monster or character, explore that creature further in other books. Since many books feature mythical creatures like Cyclops or Bigfoot, indulge his curiosity with further information or stories featuring these characters. For example, the Percy Jackson and the Olympian books star a protagonist who descends from Greek gods. You could explore these myths further with a book like the classic, kid-friendly D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths.
- Ask your child to write a newspaper story and/or draw a picture that could accompany the book. How would he tell the tale? What would the creature look like?
- Many popular series like Goosebumps have online Web sites and/or fan clubs. Encourage your child to further his interest online. (Just be sure to check out the sites first.)
Top Titles to Try
See our suggestions for younger readers (ages 7 to 10) and older ones. And if little brothers and sisters want in on the action? Pick up a Halloween-themed picture book.
